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Updated: Mar 27, 2026
11:22
Microbiota Analysis Using Two-step PCR and Next-generation 16S rRNA Gene Sequencing
Published on: October 15, 2019
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Association of Systemic Sclerosis With a Unique Colonic Microbial Consortium.
Elizabeth R Volkmann1, Yu-Ling Chang1, Nashla Barroso1
1University of California, Los Angeles David Geffen School of Medicine.
Arthritis & Rheumatology (Hoboken, N.J.)
|January 11, 2016
Summary
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) patients exhibit a unique gut microbiome profile compared to healthy individuals. Specific bacterial changes in SSc correlate with gastrointestinal symptom severity.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Microbiome research
- Immunology
Background:
- Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune disease with frequent gastrointestinal (GI) involvement.
- The colonic microbiome's role in SSc pathogenesis and symptoms is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare colonic microbial composition between SSc patients and healthy controls.
- To identify specific microbial genera associated with GI symptoms in SSc.
Main Methods:
- 17 SSc patients and age/sex-matched healthy controls underwent colonoscopy.
- Cecum and sigmoid mucosal lavage samples were analyzed using 16S rRNA sequencing.
- Differential abundance analysis identified microbial differences and symptom associations.
Main Results:
- SSc patients showed distinct cecal and sigmoid microbial communities compared to controls (P=0.001).
- Decreased commensal bacteria (e.g., Faecalibacterium, Clostridium) and increased pathobionts (e.g., Fusobacterium, γ-Proteobacteria) were observed in SSc.
- Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus were increased, while Bacteroides fragilis decreased in SSc patients with moderate/severe GI symptoms.
Conclusions:
- SSc patients possess a unique colonic microbial signature.
- These microbial alterations may contribute to SSc immunologic dysfunction and clinical symptoms.
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